[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2018132771A1 - Réglage de débit d'oxygène à distance - Google Patents

Réglage de débit d'oxygène à distance Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018132771A1
WO2018132771A1 PCT/US2018/013668 US2018013668W WO2018132771A1 WO 2018132771 A1 WO2018132771 A1 WO 2018132771A1 US 2018013668 W US2018013668 W US 2018013668W WO 2018132771 A1 WO2018132771 A1 WO 2018132771A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
value
outlet
movable element
pressure regulator
region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2018/013668
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Todd Allum
Gregory J. Kapust
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Silverbow Development LLC
Original Assignee
Silverbow Development LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Silverbow Development LLC filed Critical Silverbow Development LLC
Priority to ES18702045T priority Critical patent/ES2868876T3/es
Priority to EP18702045.8A priority patent/EP3568184B1/fr
Publication of WO2018132771A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018132771A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
    • A61M16/208—Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
    • A61M16/209—Relief valves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/021—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes operated by electrical means
    • A61M16/022—Control means therefor
    • A61M16/024—Control means therefor including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
    • A61M16/026—Control means therefor including calculation means, e.g. using a processor specially adapted for predicting, e.g. for determining an information representative of a flow limitation during a ventilation cycle by using a root square technique or a regression analysis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
    • A61M16/201—Controlled valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
    • F16K31/50—Mechanical actuating means with screw-spindle or internally threaded actuating means
    • F16K31/508—Mechanical actuating means with screw-spindle or internally threaded actuating means the actuating element being rotatable, non-rising, and driving a non-rotatable axially-sliding element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K5/00—Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary
    • F16K5/08—Details
    • F16K5/10—Means for additional adjustment of the rate of flow
    • F16K5/103—Means for additional adjustment of the rate of flow specially adapted for gas valves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
    • G05D16/04—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power
    • G05D16/06—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
    • G05D16/0608—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the controller being mounted within the flow path and having slidable elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to medical devices and, more specifically, to remote oxygen flow adjustment.
  • Oxygen therapy is the standard of care for many patients with early to mid- stage lung diseases.
  • individuals with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prescribed with oxygen therapy to increase blood oxygen saturation.
  • COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Individuals that require such oxygen therapy typically have a centralized oxygen source within their home.
  • Oxygen sources can be either liquid oxygen canisters, high-pressure oxygen cylinders, or oxygen concentrators.
  • One drawback to remotely locating an oxygen source within a home or residence is that a user is usually a considerable distance away from the flow controls of the oxygen source, which prevents the user from being able to control the flow of oxygen from the oxygen source from his/her current location.
  • This problem is exacerbated by the fact that oxygen needs are highly dependent on the user's current activity level, such as sitting, standing, or walking.
  • a typical user complaint is that the user needs to turn the source flow to an elevated level to enable the user to walk to a different location within the home, but then, once seated in the new location, the user needs to reduce the source flow to a lower level to reduce the nasal drying associated with an excess flow of oxygen.
  • One solution for enabling remote adjustments to oxygen flow from an oxygen source is a flow control valve disposed near the inlet of a user's nasal cannula. By rotating a valve actuator, the user can increase or decrease the flow rate of oxygen entering the nasal cannula without having to walk back to the oxygen source.
  • One embodiment of the present invention sets forth an apparatus for controlling air flow from a gas source.
  • the apparatus includes a pressure regulator fluidly coupled to an inlet region and an outlet region and configured to reduce a pressure from a first value in the inlet region to a second value in the outlet region, where the second value is lower than the first value, and a variable area orifice disposed between the outlet region and an outlet opening of the apparatus, wherein a flow rate of a gas is controlled by the variable orifice area and is discharged from the apparatus to a gas supply line.
  • a free area of the variable area orifice that is disposed between a movable element and a surface of the variable area orifice is configured to change linearly in response to a translation of the movable element relative to the surface.
  • At least one advantage of the technological improvements introduced by the disclosed design is that the flow rate of oxygen to a user from an oxygen source can be controlled by the user even when the oxygen source is located remotely from the user.
  • a further advantage is that flow rates selected by the user are accurate, repeatable and controllable regardless of the outlet pressure of the oxygen source.
  • a user can switch between oxygen sources, or an oxygen source can have variable output pressure, and a specific flow rate selected by the user remains the same.
  • Yet another technological improvement of the disclosed design over prior art approaches is that a user can accurately vary flow rate in a linear fashion by rotating one portion of a flow control apparatus relative to another portion of the flow control apparatus.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of an oxygen therapy system configured to implement one or more aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a more detailed illustration of the flow control apparatus of Figure 1 , according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of the flow control apparatus of Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of the movable element and seat of the flow control apparatus of Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the flow control apparatus of Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a more detailed illustration of a flow control apparatus, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of the flow control apparatus of Figure 6, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • a flow control apparatus disposed near the user.
  • the flow control apparatus is fluidly coupled to an outlet of an oxygen source and an inlet of an oxygen supply device for the user, such as a nasal cannula, and provides accurate and repeatable oxygen flow to the user independent of what oxygen source is used. Because the embodiments of the flow control apparatus enable the user to accurately and repeatably select a desired flow rate of oxygen without moving to the location of oxygen source, the benefits of oxygen therapy to the user are maximized or otherwise enhanced.
  • Figure 1 One such embodiment is illustrated in Figure 1 .
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an oxygen therapy system 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of the present invention.
  • Oxygen therapy system 100 is configured to repeatably and accurately supply an oxygen-enriched gas 123 to a user 101 at a user-selectable flow rate.
  • Oxygen therapy system 100 includes an oxygen source 120 and a flow control apparatus 130.
  • an inlet 132 of flow control apparatus 130 is fluidly coupled to an outlet 121 of oxygen source 120, for example via a length of extension tubing 105.
  • an outlet 131 of flow control apparatus 130 is fluidly coupled to an oxygen supply device 102 for user 101 , such as a nasal cannula or face mask.
  • Outlet 131 of flow control apparatus 130 can be fluidly coupled to oxygen supply device 102 via a length of extension tubing 106 that is typically much shorter than extension tubing 105.
  • the length of extension tubing 105 is typically selected to enable movement of user 101 throughout a home or at least throughout multiple adjacent rooms.
  • the length of extension tubing 106 is selected to enable user 101 to reach and manually operate flow control apparatus 130 without standing and/or walking to a different location.
  • Oxygen source 120 can be any apparatus configured to produce oxygen- enriched gas 123 for providing oxygen therapy to user 101.
  • Oxygen source 120 can include an oxygen concentrator apparatus that employs any technically feasible oxygen concentration process to generate oxygen-enriched gas 123.
  • oxygen source 120 may be configured to employ a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process, a rapid pressure swing adsorption (RPSA) process, a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA), or any other derivative process thereof.
  • PSA pressure swing adsorption
  • RPSA rapid pressure swing adsorption
  • VPSA vacuum pressure swing adsorption
  • oxygen source 120 is configured to provide a targeted flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 at a certain outlet pressure, for example on the order of 5 pounds-force per square inch gauge (PSIG).
  • PSIG pounds-force per square inch gauge
  • oxygen source 120 can include one or more liquid oxygen canisters or high-pressure oxygen cylinders.
  • Liquid oxygen sources typically generate oxygen-enriched gas 123 at approximately 20 PSIG, and high-pressure gaseous cylinders are typically set at 50 PSIG.
  • a conventional flow control device allows a different flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 depending on the outlet pressure of oxygen source 120.
  • flow control apparatus 130 repeatably and accurately provides the same flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 to oxygen supply device 102, regardless of the outlet pressure of oxygen source 120.
  • flow control apparatus 130 is illustrated in Figure 2.
  • FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of flow control apparatus 130, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Flow control apparatus 130 includes a pressure regulator 201 and a variable flow orifice 202 that is disposed downstream of pressure regulator 201.
  • Pressure regulator 201 is configured to reduce the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 entering flow control apparatus 130 at inlet 132 to a lower pressure.
  • pressure regulator 201 reduces the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 to the lower pressure in an orifice inlet chamber 203 that is disposed upstream of variable flow orifice 202, where the orifice inlet chamber 203 is the same region as the outlet region of pressure regulator 201 .
  • pressure regulator 201 fixes the inlet pressure to variable flow orifice 202 to the lower pressure, regardless of the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 at inlet 132.
  • the lower pressure is selected to be less than the output pressure of oxygen sources that can be used with flow control apparatus 130, such as liquid oxygen canisters, high-pressure oxygen cylinders, or an oxygen concentrator.
  • oxygen sources such as liquid oxygen canisters, high-pressure oxygen cylinders, or an oxygen concentrator.
  • pressure regulator 201 generally reduces the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 to a pressure below about 5 PSIG, or even about 1 PSIG, to ensure that pressure regulator 201 does not interfere with the operation of an oxygen
  • pressure regulator 201 fixes the inlet pressure to variable flow orifice 202 to a specific pressure, regardless of the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 at inlet 132. Therefore, assuming that the flow path of oxygen-enriched gas 123 from variable flow orifice 202 to user 101 remains the same, then the flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 through variable flow orifice 202 is a function of the free area of variable flow orifice 202. For example, as long as flow control apparatus 130 is fluidly coupled to user 101 via the same extension tubing 106 and the same oxygen supply device 102, the flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 through variable flow orifice 202 is proportionate to the free area of variable flow orifice 202. As a result, the flow of oxygen-enriched gas 123 through variable flow orifice 202 can be repeatably and accurately set by user adjustments to the free area of variable flow orifice 202, regardless of the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 entering flow control apparatus 130.
  • Variable flow orifice 202 is a user-settable flow control device that enables user 101 to accurately and repeatably set a flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 without walking to the current location of oxygen source 120.
  • a movable element of variable flow orifice 202 such as a pin or valve, is coupled to a threaded barrel included in variable flow orifice 202. As the threaded barrel is rotated, movement of the movable element relative to a valve seat increases or decreases the free area of variable flow orifice 202, which in turn increases or decreases the flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 through variable flow orifice 202.
  • a user can manually adjust the flow rate of flow control apparatus 130 by rotating the threaded barrel.
  • Figure 3 One such embodiment is illustrated in Figure 3.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of flow control apparatus 130, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • flow control apparatus 130 includes an upstream body half 310 and a downstream body half 320 that are rotatably coupled to each other.
  • flow control apparatus 130 includes attachment fittings 301 and 302 for attaching flow control apparatus 130 to extension tubing 105 and extension tubing 106, respectively.
  • Flow control apparatus 130 further includes an inlet opening 303, an outlet opening 304, and a sealing element 305 that is disposed between upstream body half 310 and downstream body half 320.
  • graduated indicators are formed on an outer surface 309 of downstream body half 320, so that a user can readily determine what the current rotational setting of downstream body half 320 is relative to upstream body half 310.
  • upstream body half 310 and downstream body half 320 are rotatably coupled to each other via a threaded interface (not shown for clarity). In such embodiments, as upstream body half 310 and downstream body half 320 are rotated with respect to each other, the rotating action causes a movable element 321 included in downstream body half 320 to translate axially (the directions denoted by arrows 306) toward or away from upstream body half 310.
  • the axial translation of movable element 321 causes a flow area between movable element 321 and a seat 31 1 to increase or decrease, depending on the direction of rotation. It is noted that the flow area between movable element 321 and seat 31 1 is the free area of variable flow orifice 202.
  • variable flow orifice 202 is formed by the interface between upstream body half 310 and downstream body half 320.
  • pressure regulator 201 is included in upstream body half 310.
  • Pressure regulator 201 includes a diaphragm 324, a spring 325, and a poppet 326 that is configured to close against a seat 327.
  • a diaphragm 324 In operation, as pressure decreases below a target pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203, the force exerted by diaphragm 324 in opposition to spring 325 is reduced. As a result, spring 325 moves poppet 326 away from seat 327, and more oxygen-enriched gas 123 flows from a regulator inlet chamber 328 into orifice inlet chamber 203, thereby increasing the pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203 back up to the target pressure.
  • variable flow orifice 202 Because pressure regulator 201 maintains a substantially constant pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203 during operation of flow control apparatus 130, the flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 through variable flow orifice 202 is directly proportional to the free area of variable flow orifice 202. As noted above, the free area of variable flow orifice 202 is increased and decreased by axial translation of movable element 321 that occurs in response to upstream body half 310 and downstream body half 320 being rotated with respect to each other. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, movable element 321 includes a tapered post and seat 31 1 has a fixed diameter opening.
  • movable element 321 translates axially along the directions indicated by arrows 306, a tapered surface of movable element 321 moves closer to or farther from the fixed opening of seat 31 1 , and the free area of variable flow orifice 202 changes accordingly.
  • movable element 321 and/or a surface of seat 31 1 is configured so that the free area of variable flow orifice 202 changes in direct proportion to axial translation of movable element 321.
  • Figure 4 One such embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4.
  • FIG 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of movable element 321 and seat 31 1 , according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • seat 31 1 includes a curved surface 401 formed around a circular opening 402 that is fluidly coupled to orifice inlet chamber 203.
  • An end 403 of movable element 321 that is proximate circular opening 402 has a diameter 407 and is aligned coaxially with circular opening 402, so that an annular free area 404 is disposed between movable element 321 and curved surface 401 of seat 31 1 .
  • movable element 321 When user 101 rotates downstream body half 320 relative to upstream body half 310 (see Figure 3), for example clockwise, movable element 321 is displaced axially to the left in Figure 4. As movable element 321 is displaced axially to the left and closer to curved surface 401 of seat 31 1 , annular free area 404 decreases in direct proportion to the axial displacement of movable element 321 . In embodiments in which upstream body half 310 and downstream body half 320 are coupled to each other via a threaded interface, axial displacement of movable element 321 is directly
  • FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of flow control apparatus 130, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • graduated indicators 501 are formed on outer surface 309 of downstream body half 320, indicating the relative rotational position of upstream body half 310 to downstream body half 320.
  • Graduated indicators 501 enable a user to easily determine what the current rotational setting of downstream body half 320 relative to upstream body half 310 is. As noted above, in some embodiments, variation of annular free area 404 (shown in Figure 4) is directly proportional to the rotation of upstream body half 310 relative to downstream body half 320. In such embodiments, graduated indicators 501 provide accurate and repeatable feedback to user 101 as to the current flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123, regardless of what oxygen source is currently being employed in oxygen therapy system 100. In addition, in such embodiments, graduated indicators accurately reflect the relative flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123. For example, setting 4 corresponds to a flow rate that is twice that of setting 2.
  • curved surface 401 is selected to have a particular profile.
  • curved surface 401 of seat 31 1 has the form of a continuously varying wall angle conical frustum.
  • the particular profile of curved surface 401 is selected so that a change in axial position of end 403 of movable element 321 along the directions indicated by arrows 306 results in a proportional change in the annular free area 404.
  • the profile of curved surface 401 may include circular, parabolic, elliptical, and/or exponential segments. In some embodiments, the profile of curved surface 401 can be determined using numerical methods known in the art.
  • movable element 321 includes a curved surface that defines the size of annular free area 404.
  • the cross-sectional profile of movable element 321 can be curved.
  • numerical methods known in the art can be employed to determine the profile of the curved cross-sectional profile of a surface of movable element 321 so that axial position change of movable element 321 results in a proportional change in annular free area 404.
  • a flow control apparatus includes a fixed orifice rather than a variable flow orifice, and flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 is controlled with a user-adjustable pressure regulator.
  • Flow control apparatus 600 includes a user-adjustable pressure regulator 601 and a fixed flow orifice 602 that is disposed downstream of user-adjustable pressure regulator 601 .
  • User-adjustable pressure regulator 601 is configured to reduce the pressure of oxygen-enriched gas 123 entering flow control apparatus 600 at inlet 132 to a lower pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203.
  • flow control apparatus 600 controls the pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203 to a variable pressure.
  • the variable pressure is selected based on a manual input from user 101 , such as rotation of two body halves of flow control apparatus 600.
  • the manual input changes the preload on a spring in user-adjustable pressure regulator 601 , which effectively changes the regulated pressure present in orifice inlet chamber 203. Because the remainder of oxygen therapy system 100 between orifice inlet chamber 203 and user 101 is fixed, changes in pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203 can be employed to repeatably control flow rate of oxygen-enriched gas 123 for specific settings of the manual input.
  • the manual input for changing the pressure in orifice inlet chamber 203 is rotation of two body halves of flow control apparatus 600 relative to each other.
  • Figure 7 is a cross- sectional illustration of flow control apparatus 600, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Flow control apparatus 600 is substantially similar in configuration to flow control apparatus 130 of Figure 3, except for the differences noted below.
  • Flow control apparatus 600 includes an upstream body half 610 and a downstream body half 620 that are rotatably coupled to each other via a threaded interface (not shown for clarity). As upstream body half 610 and downstream body half 620 are rotated with respect to each other, a threaded interface therebetween causes downstream body half 620 to translate axially (along the directions denoted by arrows 306) toward or away from upstream body half 610. The axial translation of downstream body half 620 causes more or less force to be exerted against poppet 326, which adjusts a preload force of an opening spring 625 in adjustable pressure regulator 601 .
  • adjustable pressure regulator 601 is partially disposed within upstream body half 610 and partially disposed within downstream body half 620.
  • seat 327 and a portion of poppet 326 are disposed within upstream body half 610, diaphragm 324 is included within
  • downstream body half 620, and opening spring 625 and the remainder of poppet 326 are disposed in a region between upstream body half 610 and downstream body half 620.
  • fixed flow orifice 602 is disposed in a different location within flow control apparatus 600 than that shown in Figure 6.
  • the central opening of poppet 326 can be employed as fixed flow orifice 602.
  • the central opening of poppet 326 is configured with a smaller free area than other constrictions along the flow path of oxygen-enriched gas 123 through flow control apparatus. Any other suitable location for fixed flow orifice 602 can also be selected within flow control apparatus 600 without exceeding the scope of the invention.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide a flow control apparatus that includes a pressure regulator upstream of a flow control orifice.
  • the pressure regulator controls an inlet pressure to the flow control orifice to a fixed pressure and the flow control orifice is a variable flow orifice that is user adjustable. In other embodiments, the pressure regulator controls an inlet pressure to the flow control orifice to a user-selected pressure and the flow control orifice is a fixed flow orifice. In either case, the flow control apparatus can be disposed between an oxygen source and an oxygen supply device for a user, such as a nasal cannula, to control a flow rate of oxygen to the user.
  • At least one advantage of the technological improvements introduced by the disclosed design is that the flow rate of oxygen to a user from an oxygen source can be controlled by the user even when the oxygen source is located remotely from the user.
  • a further advantage is that flow rates selected by the user are accurate and repeatable, regardless of the outlet pressure of the oxygen source.
  • a user can switch between oxygen sources, or an oxygen source can have variable output pressure, and a specific flow rate selected by the user remains the same.
  • Yet another technological improvement of the disclosed design over prior art approaches is that a user can accurately vary flow rate in a linear fashion by rotating one portion of a flow control apparatus relative to another portion of the flow control apparatus.
  • an apparatus comprises: a pressure regulator fluidly coupled to an inlet region and an outlet region and configured to reduce a pressure from a first value in the inlet region to a second value in the outlet region, where the second value is lower than the first value; and a variable area orifice disposed between the outlet region and an outlet opening of the apparatus, wherein a flow rate of a gas is controlled by the variable area orifice and is discharged from the apparatus to a gas supply line, wherein a free area of the variable area orifice that is disposed between a movable element and a surface of the variable area orifice is configured to change linearly in response to a translation of the movable element relative to the surface.
  • variable area orifice comprises an outlet of the outlet region.
  • surface comprises an inner bore surface of the variable area orifice.
  • a system comprises: a gas source; and a flow control apparatus fluidly coupled to an outlet of the gas source, the flow control apparatus comprising: a pressure regulator fluidly coupled to an inlet region and an outlet region and configured to reduce a pressure from a first value in the inlet region to a second value in the outlet region, where the second value is lower than the first value; and a variable area orifice disposed between the outlet region and an outlet opening of the apparatus, wherein a gas is discharged from the apparatus to a gas supply line, wherein a free area of the variable area orifice that is disposed between a movable element of the variable area orifice and a surface of the variable area orifice is configured to change linearly in response to a translation of the movable element relative to the surface.
  • the movable element translates relative to the surface in response to a rotation of a first body portion of the apparatus relative to a second body portion of the apparatus.
  • variable area orifice comprises an outlet of the outlet region.
  • an apparatus comprises: an adjustable pressure regulator fluidly coupled to an inlet region and an outlet region and configured to reduce a pressure from a first value in the inlet region to a second value in the outlet region, where the second value is lower than the first value; and a fixed area orifice disposed between the outlet region and an outlet opening of the apparatus, wherein a flow rate of a gas is controlled by the variable area orifice and is discharged from the apparatus to a gas supply line, wherein the second value is based on a setting of the adjustable pressure regulator.
  • a system comprises: a gas source; and a flow control apparatus fluidly coupled to an outlet of the gas source, the flow control apparatus comprising: an adjustable pressure regulator fluidly coupled to an inlet region and an outlet region and configured to reduce a pressure from a first value in the inlet region to a second value in the outlet region, where the second value is lower than the first value; and a fixed area orifice disposed between the outlet region and an outlet opening of the apparatus, wherein a flow rate of a gas is controlled by the variable area orifice and is discharged from the apparatus to a gas supply line, wherein the second value is based on a setting of the adjustable pressure regulator.
  • the adjustable pressure regulator is set by rotating a first portion of the apparatus with respect to a second portion of the apparatus.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Flow Control (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil de régulation de débit comprend un régulateur de pression accouplé de manière fluidique à une région d'entrée et à une région de sortie et configuré pour réduire une pression à partir d'une première valeur dans la région d'entrée à une seconde valeur dans la région de sortie, la seconde valeur étant inférieure à la première valeur; et un orifice à zone variable disposé entre la région de sortie et une ouverture de sortie de l'appareil, un débit d'un gaz étant commandé par l'orifice à zone variable et étant évacué de l'appareil vers une ligne d'alimentation en gaz. Une zone libre de l'orifice à zone variable qui est disposée entre un élément mobile et une surface de l'orifice à zone variable est configurée pour changer linéairement en réponse à une translation de l'élément mobile par rapport à la surface.
PCT/US2018/013668 2017-01-13 2018-01-12 Réglage de débit d'oxygène à distance Ceased WO2018132771A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES18702045T ES2868876T3 (es) 2017-01-13 2018-01-12 Ajuste de flujo de oxígeno a distancia
EP18702045.8A EP3568184B1 (fr) 2017-01-13 2018-01-12 Réglage de débit d'oxygène à distance

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201762446335P 2017-01-13 2017-01-13
US62/446,335 2017-01-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018132771A1 true WO2018132771A1 (fr) 2018-07-19

Family

ID=61074626

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2018/013668 Ceased WO2018132771A1 (fr) 2017-01-13 2018-01-12 Réglage de débit d'oxygène à distance

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US11229767B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP3568184B1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2868876T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO2018132771A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7954490B2 (en) 2005-02-09 2011-06-07 Vbox, Incorporated Method of providing ambulatory oxygen
DE102018220890A1 (de) * 2018-12-04 2020-06-04 B. Braun Melsungen Ag Infusionsanordnung zur Verabreichung eines medizinischen Fluids
US11642486B2 (en) 2019-05-17 2023-05-09 Breathe Technologies, Inc. Portable oxygen concentrator retrofit system and method
US11607519B2 (en) 2019-05-22 2023-03-21 Breathe Technologies, Inc. O2 concentrator with sieve bed bypass and control method thereof
US11007342B1 (en) * 2020-05-29 2021-05-18 Legacy US Inc. Fluid mixing apparatus such as a ventilator
US11318272B2 (en) 2020-05-29 2022-05-03 Legacy US Inc. Selective attachment device with multiple fluid sources for maintaining positive fluid pressure
US11207486B2 (en) 2020-05-29 2021-12-28 Legacy US Inc. Fluid mixing apparatus such as a ventilator
CA3172004A1 (fr) * 2022-01-05 2023-07-05 Fergus, Deann Regulateur de debit d'oxygene portatif

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5014694A (en) 1990-10-15 1991-05-14 Bird Products Corporation Ambient pressure air/oxygen blender
WO2011049633A2 (fr) * 2009-10-23 2011-04-28 Amir Belson Système portable d'oxygénothérapie topique
WO2012128870A1 (fr) * 2011-03-21 2012-09-27 Tescom Corporation Appareil à soupape permettant d'empêcher la contamination d'un fluide dans un régulateur de fluide
WO2015018768A1 (fr) * 2013-08-06 2015-02-12 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Appareil de commande pour un régulateur de pression de gaz

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US547506A (en) * 1895-10-08 Pressure-regulating valve
US2294314A (en) * 1940-02-09 1942-08-25 Edwin W Mckinley Stem connection for fluid pressure regulators
US2973007A (en) * 1958-07-11 1961-02-28 Penn Controls Pressure regulator
US3204657A (en) * 1963-09-12 1965-09-07 Master Pneumatic Inc Pressure regulator structure
DE1273132B (de) 1965-09-29 1968-07-18 Draegerwerk Ag Regelvorrichtung fuer Beatmungsgeraete
US3561466A (en) * 1968-01-08 1971-02-09 Edward Carden Anesthetist{3 s ventilator
US4211386A (en) * 1979-03-28 1980-07-08 Superior Valve Company Slow opening cylinder valve
US4728075A (en) 1981-01-28 1988-03-01 Paradis Joseph R Control of fluid flow
GB2128883B (en) * 1982-10-25 1986-01-08 Normalair Garrett Deep diving apparatus
US5002050A (en) 1986-09-17 1991-03-26 Mcginnis Gerald E Medical gas flow control valve, system and method
US5568910A (en) * 1995-03-02 1996-10-29 Delmarva Laboratories, Inc. Anesthesia machine
US6026850A (en) * 1996-02-27 2000-02-22 Global Agricultural Technology And Engineering, Llc Pressure regulating valve
US6237594B1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2001-05-29 Salter Labs Pneumatically-operated gas demand apparatus
SE519054C2 (sv) * 2001-05-10 2003-01-07 Aneo Ab Nålventilrelaterat arrangemang
KR20060007373A (ko) * 2003-03-07 2006-01-24 스와겔로크 컴패니 조정 가능한 정지 수단이 구비된 밸브
NL1034284C2 (nl) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-25 Emergency Pulmonary Care B V Regelbare klep.
US8485213B2 (en) * 2008-12-17 2013-07-16 Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. Internal relief valve apparatus for use with loading regulators
CN101862497B (zh) * 2009-04-15 2013-08-14 北京谊安医疗系统股份有限公司 压力控制阀
US20120272956A1 (en) * 2011-04-28 2012-11-01 Rusher Michael J Airway pressure control devices
CN204025703U (zh) * 2014-07-28 2014-12-17 费希尔久安输配设备(成都)有限公司 调节器的执行器及流体调节器
ES2792674T3 (es) * 2015-10-12 2020-11-11 Lungflex Ab Dispositivo de control portátil para regular un flujo continuo de oxígeno
JP6864533B2 (ja) * 2017-04-18 2021-04-28 アズビル株式会社 空気圧制御装置および調節弁

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5014694A (en) 1990-10-15 1991-05-14 Bird Products Corporation Ambient pressure air/oxygen blender
WO2011049633A2 (fr) * 2009-10-23 2011-04-28 Amir Belson Système portable d'oxygénothérapie topique
WO2012128870A1 (fr) * 2011-03-21 2012-09-27 Tescom Corporation Appareil à soupape permettant d'empêcher la contamination d'un fluide dans un régulateur de fluide
WO2015018768A1 (fr) * 2013-08-06 2015-02-12 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Appareil de commande pour un régulateur de pression de gaz

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2868876T3 (es) 2021-10-22
EP3568184A1 (fr) 2019-11-20
US11229767B2 (en) 2022-01-25
US20180200474A1 (en) 2018-07-19
US11224715B2 (en) 2022-01-18
EP3568184B1 (fr) 2021-02-17
US20180200475A1 (en) 2018-07-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11229767B2 (en) Remote oxygen flow adjustment
EP3071277B1 (fr) Soupape d'expiration pour réguler un flux
US9669172B2 (en) Discreet respiratory therapy system
US9962514B2 (en) Ventilator flow valve
US9962515B2 (en) Ventilator exhalation flow valve
EP3160561B1 (fr) Soupape d'écoulement pour ventilateur
US3534732A (en) Anesthetic vaporizer
CN107158535B (zh) 呼吸同步气体供给装置
WO2005082107A2 (fr) Procede et dispositif de regulation d'un ecoulement de fluide et de maintien dudit ecoulement
EP3737448B1 (fr) Régulateur d'écoulement de gaz et tige de soupape pour un régulateur d'écoulement de gaz
US3630438A (en) Anesthetic vaporizer
WO2017189766A1 (fr) Appareil et procédé d'assistance respiratoire
EP4331649A1 (fr) Système de commande de distribution de gaz
JP2001325028A (ja) ガバナ装置
CN209933605U (zh) 用于中央负压吸引系统的双通路可变调节阀
CN113967300A (zh) 一种气体压力平衡管及其工作方法
CN115033036A (zh) 一种精密可调式中药蒸汽支持系统

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18702045

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2018702045

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20190813